There wouldn’t be growth without growing pains. There wouldn’t be a testimony without a test. There wouldn’t be a spring bloom if there wasn’t a winter. If you are struggling right now, just know that your blessing is near. “It’s always darkest before dawn”, is one of my boyfriends favorite lines and it is SO TRUE. This year has been a true rollercoaster of emotions for me. At times, I didn’t get what I wanted and at other times, I got what I didn’t ask for but was thankful for it. Take what happens to you as a blessing, even when it feels like a curse. There were times where I felt like God was literally putting his hand down and BLOCKING a path I was trying to go towards because it was safe, comfortable, and “it’s just what you do when you graduate from University”, but my spirit told me there was something even better for me, waiting on the other side of fear. All I had to do was take that risk. Out of this confusion and mental battle, I was able to have clarity of my path and re-realize my destiny. A destiny I always knew deep down inside would be for me! With that being said, there’s so many exciting new things that are launching very soon, projects I’ve been slaving over, and I can’t wait to share them with you all when it’s time ✨ All I’m going to say for now is, God is good 🙌🏾 I’m thankful he didn’t settle for giving me what I WANT. Instead, he’s given me courage to go towards the path that I NEED.
Photography: my boyfriend 💕
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#poppyfields#poppy#california#californiaadventure#beautiful#naturalhair#natural#pokadots#curlyhair#blackisbeautiful#melanin#pretty#nature#scenery#sceneryphotography#photooftheday#inspiration#inspirational#motivation#women#girlboss#entrepreneur

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is one of three snapping turtle species and one-half of the snappers that live in Louisiana, the other being its more familiar cousin, the alligator snapping turtle.
They are usually found near water so I was caught off-guard seeing this one deep in the forest of Black Bayou. Even more of a shock was because it was chilly outside. As with any snapper, it's best to not muck with them as that mouth can remove fingers. Native here, it was imported to other countries as a food source and became a very invasive species.
Edit: Had to fix some things. #nature#naturephotography#NikonD3400#nikonphotography#BlackBayouNWR#wildlife#reptiles#turtles#snappingturtles#commonsnappingturtle